How a Lake Manyara day trip works
The park lies about 125 km from Arusha. The drive takes roughly 2 to 2.5 hours on a paved road, which makes the return drive 4 to 5 hours. A Lake Manyara day trip therefore means an early start, a game drive of several hours and a late return. Tours differ in where they start, who is in the vehicle and whether park fees are part of the price.
The park is also a stop on the way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. That does not mean two full park visits fit into one day. If you want both, plan at least a night in between.
Our picks: Lake Manyara day trips
The eight-hour trip is the plain game drive, while the longer day adds a Mto wa Mbu village visit with lunch. The one- or two-day option stretches the trip to include Tarangire.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Lake Manyara day safari with Mto wa Mbu village visit
- Park fees and taxes
- 4x4 with driver-guide
- Lunch, water and soft drinks
A game drive in the park is paired with a village tour in Mto wa Mbu, with transfers from your hotel or the airport.
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Tarangire and Lake Manyara safari, one or two days
- Park entry fees
- 4x4 with pop-up roof
- Budget night on 2-day option
Choose the one-day or the two-day version when you book. The two-day version covers Tarangire and Lake Manyara with three meals along the way.
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Guided day safari in Lake Manyara
- Park fees included
- Safari jeep with guide
- Packed lunch and water
Pick the Lake Manyara option when you book, because the same listing also offers Tarangire. It is one park per day, without canoe or treetop walkway.
Check availability →Lake Manyara day trips and tours
Day trips from Arusha, Ngorongoro combinations and village tours, with live prices and availability.
Tour types compared
What each trip is built for, and what to ask.
| Trip type | Time on site | What to check | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day trip from Arusha | A game drive of several hours | Pickup time, return time, whether park fees and lunch are included | One-day visits and short stays |
| Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro | Manyara is a half-day or full-day stop | Number of nights, which park fees are in the price | First-time safari visitors |
| Mto wa Mbu village tour | A walk of 2 to 4 hours | Price and availability, arranged with the local office | Travellers who want time outside the park |
| Night drive or other activity | Set by the park | Whether it runs now, start and end time, cost | Second visits and longer stays |
For most first-time visitors, a day trip that includes the park fee and a driver-guide is the simplest option. If your plan includes Ngorongoro, choose a multi-day itinerary rather than squeezing both into a single day.
Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro
The two parks sit on the same road.
Manyara is a stop on the way to Ngorongoro and the Serengeti. The highlands beyond the escarpment, Karatu and the crater have their own guides. For the crater itself and what it costs, see the Ngorongoro Crater guide. The route from town is explained in the Arusha to Ngorongoro guide.
On a combined itinerary you usually enter Manyara first, then climb the escarpment and continue into the highlands. Each protected area charges its own entry. A Manyara ticket is not valid in the other parks, so ask which fees your price includes.
What to check before you book a day trip
The wording differs more than the prices.
Park fees and VAT
Entry for non-resident adults was $50 in peak season in the 2023/24 tariff, before 18 percent VAT. For the 2026/27 season TZS 127,750 per 24 hours is set. Check the current amount and whether the price you see includes it. See park fees.
Pickup, return and group size
Ask for the pickup time, the time you are back and how many people share the vehicle. A late return after a 4 to 5 hour drive makes a long day.
Gate time
The gate closes at 6 p.m. Your driver can tell you the plan for your day.
Activities
A night drive, walking safari or canoe trip is a separate arrangement with its own rules, see activities. Ask whether the activity is running before you pay.
Overnight options are described in lodges and camps. For routes, habitats and prices, read the Lake Manyara safari page.
Plan the rest of your trip
Where the day trip fits.
Lake Manyara day trip: frequently asked questions
Can I do Lake Manyara as a day trip from Arusha?
Yes. The park is about 125 km away, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours each way on a paved road. Expect an early start and a long day.
Can I visit Lake Manyara and Ngorongoro in one day?
That is not recommended. Both parks need time, and the park fees and drives add up. A multi-day itinerary is the usual way to see both.
Are park fees included in a day trip?
It differs by tour. Entry is a separate item in the tariff. Ask before you book, and check the current amount.
Is Manyara part of a Serengeti safari?
It is a common first or last stop on the northern circuit. See the safari page for how the pieces fit.
Is this the official Lake Manyara website?
No. This is an independent guide. It is not run by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) or any authority, and it is not connected to any tour operator, lodge or village programme.